Chapter 6

CHAPTER 5:

He had a great time those 2 days, clicking away what he felt like capturing. Be it a great sunrise, a simple flower, or mere natural human face. He knew he had to go back to his 'normal' life soon. And before that he had a lot to capture in those frames.

Where he was enjoying every bit, she was getting tensed. She had promised him to think about her future, and she didn't want to break the promise. The more she thought, the more she was confused. Her heart said one thing, which is always contradicted by her brain.

At last she thought giving it a rest till the competition. Now her students needed her more and she was there too. There is only 4 days left for the competition.

***

He was back home/ his lodge room after the day's wander. After the cutting chai, which was his routine now, he retired to his bed after getting fresh up. Last 3 days were beautiful; at last he had mastered to pour the chai without burning his hands. It was not easy at the beginning though. He had to buy an anti-burn cream soon after the first day, which was now almost half. And now he knew he wouldn't want it anymore.

His hands reached his rucksack that was close to his bed. He opened it and took out a file. He opened and took out an envelope that was not opened yet. There was his name over it. WOW... it seems ages now that someone took his name. for the past few days he is 'betaji' for the chai wala whom he called kaka, and 'saab' for the receptionist, who was 'Babu' for him. Names don't seem to have any meaning now a day.

He was looking at the envelope. It looked official. Well, it was official with a majestic emblem over it. he almost knew its contents without opening the envelope. And till the very moment he was not sure if he should accept it or not. But now his mind was playing games with him. He felt a heart in it that needed his hands over it. he smiled... "WOW, what a stupid thought??"

His mobile phone rang and he took it from the side table and looked at the name. he smiled. "what a timing!!"

Him: hello, sir!!! Sorry to break the news!! But you are bang on time!!!

Caller: hm... so let me think... you are thinking about it!!!

Him: yes sir!! And believe me, I'm confused. For the last 2 days I was sure that I'm not coming back. But now I'm having second thoughts!

Caller: that's good. So you opened that envelope.

Him: no sir, not yet. And is the most shocking part for me. I don't know what to expect but yes, I think I'm ready for it.

Caller: that's great news my boy. So when are you coming back?

Him: soon sir. Very soon. Great talking to you. Good night sir.

Caller: good night my boy!!

He placed the phone back. He breathed hard. "did I just say yes?? So I am going back?? What's happening to me? A moment I'm so sure and the next I feel something is gonna happen!! Well relax buddy!! Its going to be fine. its going to be just fine!!"

He kept back the envelope and the files. He was ready to sleep. He was going to have a long night tomorrow. After all it's the very famous Taj Mahotsav tomorrow. He knew it was going to be a fiesta for his lenses.

***

Her students were ready and so was she. They were in white and silver mix Skirts and tops, with the shawl that she selected a few days back. The 9 ladies looked like angel. There was a thread of jasmine in her hair. She was feeling nostalgic.

He loved her putting those, though he was allergic to it. He used to smile at her, with red nose after a series of sneezing.

Ais: Arjun agar apko in fulonse allergy hai, tho kyu le athe ho??

Arj: (snorting his nose): hm.. wo... It looks great on you my ...aa...aa...ACHI... uffo... my dear...

Ais: Aap bhi na... Arjun pagal ho...ab laito.. Vicks laga dethi hu.

Saying that she would remove the flowers from her hair and keep it secured in her cupboard. He was on his couch; he looked funny with that red nose.

He closed his eyes. Her warm hands with the warm Vicks balm, it did wonders. He wrinkled his nose, when she placed her hands close to his nose. "na... please..."

Ais: chup... Ab inhale... good boy. Don't bring flowers any more time. samjhe ya samjhau??

Arj: nahi samjhe...

He pulled her to him.

Ais: ARJUN!!!

She felt a tap on her shoulder.

Swati: Di... dar lag rahi hai!!

Ais: kyu?? Darne ke koi baath nahi. Girls... just take it easy. Its just a competition. We'll give our 100% and lets see what's going to happen.

She knew she was not completely honest with the girls. The ghungroo never felt so heavy before. But she had to be strong for them.

And for him too...

***

He was among the crowd. The competition had begun. And he knew it was a tight one too. His camera had a great time along with him. A song ended. He was now focusing on the crowd when he felt a hit at his thighs. He looked down. A girl on 8-9 had collided with him while running. He was in her blue lehenga and seemed to be in a hurry. "sorry Uncle, apko lage tho nahi??"

He smiled at her. He knew perfectly well that she was shaken by hitting him, and now she was worried for him. He bends down on his knees. "mujhe tho kucha nahi hua... Apko lagi??"

Girl: ha.. thodi thodi,,, but its ok.. chalthi hu...

She tried to run away.

Him: hey, kaha ja rahe ho? aur ithne jaldi mien kyu hai?

Girl: mamma ke paas jarahi hu. Next meri Di, ke dance hai!!!

Man: acha... aur apke Di ke naam kya hai?

Girl: Swati... aur mien Swetha... ab mien chalu??

He nods and she rushed to stand by her mom, who was waiting for her. She looked so cute, with her curly hair and bubbly face.

The music began. He turned to the stage. A group of girls in white dress were in position. But his eyes fell back to the little Sweta. She was so excited that she moved a bit away from her mom, and stood at the clearing were she had a better view. She knew the song.

It seems, her Di... Swati had practiced well at home. Swetha knew the songs and steps byheart. With the flow of music she started to enact it in her own way with her little hands and making faces and mumbling the lyrics.

He took his camera. The dance felt unimportant in front of her innocence. He started to click her each moves and actions. Her innocence seemed too natural...

Innocence... it was not a daily chance to see them in the day... the eyes that should be happy for Mickey- Minnie, screamed 'I love you' to the chocolate faced Bollywood guys... and that too at an age when they don't know anything about love... for them love was just the hero who would fight 50-60 goons to help his lady love, he would go through the Sahara desert screaming her name, when she is in the next lane... innocence was long forgotten... and today he didn't want to miss it...

The beats grew faster, maybe the dance was about to finish. Sweta was at a peak of her excitement.

He turns to the stage. The 9 ladies were taking non-stop turns beating their legs. But then some captured his eyes... The shawl... the same white shawl with silver handwork on it...

It got his full attention... he moved a bit closer to the stage. One among the girls was the one who was rescued that day by the elder girl. And that means... she was here too...

He saw the centre girl... she had more turns to take... her face was in a blur at times... but he knew it... he felt it... his camera was ready...

He took random snaps of her...he knew it would not be too clear... he changed the lens to a high precision one now as fast as possible... and went on clicking her...

The beats reached its peak... and then with a rhythm that shook his soul... it finished... with her looking at an eternity... with bliss in her face... with a smile on her lips...

And he captured her.. in his frame and in his heart...

CHAPTER 6: PAGE 21